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Carers and Work |
13th June 2007 |
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 Carers and employment – How difficult is it for carers to go out to work?
There are estimated to be more than 6 million people caring for a relative or friend in this country. According to a survey published last month more than half of carers are forced to give up work in order to care. How feasible is it to combine work and paid employment? Should more be done to enable carers to juggle a job and their caring responsibilities? How do we achieve a balance between what the state provides and what families do? As the elderly population increases, it’s an issue that is quickly climbing up the political agenda. Hazel Blears has spoken out about the needs of carers in her bid for the deputy Labour leadership. Carers UK claims that the debate surrounding the care of elderly and disabled adults is 20 years behind the childcare agenda.
As part of Carers’ Week, Jane Little discusses these issues with Imelda Redmond of Carers UK, Sue Yeandle of Leeds University who has researched the experiences of carers in employment, and Government minister Ivan Lewis MP.
Carers UK
Leeds University – research on carers
Action for Carers and Employment
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
Crossroads
Counsel and Care
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